A letter later, I stood in front of the Campbell estate, trying to regulate my breathing as I waited for someone to open the door.

I hadn't meant to rush up the stairs as fast as I did, but when I remembered that I'd be in Madeleine's house for the first time, it made me irrationally nervous.

Finally, the door was opened by an older gentleman. His hair was short and greying, and his build was on the heavier side.

"Greetings. Do you have business here?" He raised an eyebrow, while somehow still managing to keep a polite expression.

"Ah, erm, yes. Lady Campbell invited me. My name is Antoinette Crawford." I curtsied. Why were my hands so damn sweaty.

His polite expression dropped. "A Crawford, ey?" He stayed silent for a few seconds.
"My name is Duke Ernest Campbell. I am Madeleine's uncle. Wait inside, I'll get her for you."

"Thank you, your grace." I curtsied again.

He pointed me towards the salon, where I took a seat on one of the couches.

The Campbell estate was significantly smaller than the Crawford estate, and yet it seemed much more inviting.

The salon itself was full of different art pieces, random instruments, and at least twenty plants.

Although there was a fine layer of dust on most of the objects, it was cozy, and clearly, someone used to enjoy being here.

I sighed as I leaned into the couch, fiddling with my dress.

"Antoine!" And there came Madeleine's honey-like voice behind me.

I couldn't get out a word before she hugged me, her soft hair tickling my face.

It was strange. I didn't remember Madeleine being this touchy with anyone before, not even in my first life.

And yet, here she was, nuzzling her nose into my neck.

It tickled.

"It is such a joy to see you!", Madeleine detangled herself from me, plopping onto the seat next to me, and leaning toward me. "But, let's discuss the important things first; are you alright?"

I took a deep breath. "I am. I had a conversation with my mother about the situation, and I realized my fears were... unnecessary."

Madeleine nodded, fiddling with her hair. "If it isn't too much to ask... what happened that made you so upset? You- you of course don't have to answer if you don't-"

"No, no, that is alright. I want to tell you."

As I spent that time explaining my prior fears and conversations with my parents, Madeleine's face grew from worried, to surprised, to relieved.

"Oh, I see. Thank god. I was afraid something much worse had happened." Madeleine sighed, a hand on her chest.

"Yes. I suppose I'm still scared for my position.", I tilted my head. "Although that doesn't seem to be a fear that you possess."

"Not particularly. I've been raised my entire life to take over the dukedom. The only reason my uncle is duke is- well, because of my father's untimely demise.", Madeleine awkwardly scratched her head. "And my cousins aspire to become ministers of Silkport. It's not like they wanted to become dukes in the first place."

"I see." It was strange, talking to someone whose viewpoints were so different from anyone I'd met in my lives.

"I'm just so relieved to see you doing well." She leaned back. Now that I looked closer, she looked very tired.

"Did yesterday's... um... situation make you unable to rest?" I wanted to reach out and take her hand, but I restrained myself.

"Well, yes, among other things. But I also had this terrible, vivid nightmare. And although I did not wake up, it certainly didn't make my sleep restful." She sighed.

"A nightmare?" My eyebrows furrowed. "What... was it about?"

"I.... saw you get executed. By Luca. And I couldn't stop it."

O h .